Breaking the polished studio mold with a dynamic mix of angst, toughness, and sensitivity, he created defiant urban outsiders in performances so naturalistic they feel contemporary. [1]
Douglas Fairbanks (born Douglas Elton Thomas Ullman) (May 23, 1883 – December 12, 1939) was an American actor, screenwriter, director, and producer. He was best known for his swashbuckling roles in silent films such as The Thief of Baghdad, Robin Hood, and The Mark of Zorro but spent the early part of his career making comedies.[2]
An astute businessman, Fairbanks was a founding member of United Artists. Fairbanks was also a founding member of The Motion Picture Academy and hosted the first Oscars Ceremony in 1929. With his marriage to Mary Pickford in 1920, the couple became Hollywood royalty and Fairbanks was referred to as "The King of Hollywood", a nickname later passed on to actor Clark Gable.
Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford in CKAC studio, Montreal, 1922 |
The first great action star, introducing both Robin Hood and Zorro to the screen, his high energy and charisma carried over into his real life trailblazing as a founding father of Hollywood's movie industry.[4]
Burial
Hollywood Forever Cemetery Hollywood, Los Angeles County, California, USA Plot Large reflecting pool plot adjacent to the Cathedral Mausoleum
Memorial ID 324
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U > Ullman | F > Fairbanks > Douglas Elton Thomas (Ullman) Fairbanks
Categories: Famous Actors of the 20th Century | Hollywood Actors | Silent Movie Stars | Silent Film Actors | This Day in History May 23 | This Day In History December 12 | California, Notables | Notables